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The 22-year-old German has been in fine form on his debut professional season winning six races including two stages at the Criterium du Dauphine.

Skil-Shimano insists it is a major move for the team, as they look to expand their French and Benelux base into Germany.

“His signing underlines our ambition and reinforces our intention to represent Skil-Shimano in the biggest and most important races,” said general manager Iwan Spekenbrink.

“We believe that a cyclist like John has the potential of becoming a future green jersey winner.”

Degenkolb added: “This is a great opportunity for me. I may have been part of the best team in the world, but with my new team I will probably have even more chances and with the choice of this project, I’m convinced that I can prove myself on the highest level next year.

"In the classics I will have an open role that really suits me. My new team is also building a strong sprint train so that I can compete in mass sprints as well. Marcel Kittel and I are both quick, complement each other and we can also get along with each other really well.”